Within the last several years, the First Night events that used to be a staple in cities like Youngstown and Canfield are now a thing of the past.

The celebrations in Youngstown, Canfield, and Salem were non-alcoholic, family-friendly alternatives with entertainment, music, carriage rides, and more. 

For years it was an annual tradition throughout the Mahoning Valley on New Year's eve.  Despite its popularity, First Night celebrations eventually saw its last night.

Salem's celebration ended in 2016, Canfield followed in 2017, and in Youngstown the party ended in 2019.

So what happened?

"The construction is a really big part of why we stopped that first year, because we are very dependent on the streets in downtown. And then our number one venue and our headquarters was always 20 Federal [Place] and that closed as well. So we really didn't have a home," Former president of First Night Youngstown, Samantha Turner told 21 News. 

The mayor of Canfield, Don Dragish, said the crowds were getting smaller each year.

"It died off to the point where the crowds came lower. Then, you start losing sponsorships and stuff like that, and then people just stop going," Dragish said. 

The mayor of Salem, Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey echoed the same sentiments. She attributed the event's discontinuation to a lack of volunteers and is less optimistic about people stepping up to reignite First Night in Salem.

But there's still hope for its return in Youngstown and Canfield. 

Dragish said he is in talks with Rotary Club members who want to bring the fun back.

"I'm more than willing to help work with them in the city to get it done and to enable them to do the things that they need to do," Dragish said. 

Turner is optimistic that Youngstown will see First Night celebrations again.

"In the next couple of years, I think we'll be able to come back as Youngstown begins to thrive and grow step by step," Turner said.